Quickbooks online

[Charlie Lyman]

For those that are using Quickbooks online,
Was it easy to get used to? I feel that writing stuff down is easier than typing it on an iPad.
Do you input the customer's info at the job, or do you do it when they call?
Do you input the cleaning charges as you do a walk through, or do you write it down and input it when you are done?

I guess the same questions could apply to Service monster users too.
Thanks.

 

[Mikey P]

nothing quick about it..

 

[Kellie Hiler]

I love it....I found it very easy to learn and the invoices look nice.
When the customer calls and schedules, I add them at that point to my customer list, then when I get there I create an invoice....you can make an automatic list of services. As I am measuring I just type each room in with the measurements and then total the sq footage which goes into quantity. Type in the price and it adds it up. There is a signature line for the custy to sign and then bam, I email it to them. You can receive payments from the invoice right there too. If you are going to use Quickbooks payments and banking etc it's really easy to do. If not you can still receive payment just so it knows the invoice is not overdue.
It is a great way to store your customers data, notes on the jobs etc. you can do automatic recurring invoices as well.

 

[hogjowl]

Sounds great.

Until Al Gore pulls the plug the internet.

 

[PrimaDonna]

I use the desktop version of QB with Service Monster. It's very easy to import all my data from SM in to QB and record deposits. All the rest of my expenses etc. are tracked in QB so I have accurate P&L info and Balance sheet to pull when ever I need. I was looking into switching to QB online/cloud, but have decided to stay with the software on my PC and will be likely upgrading this year. I currently run 2013.

 

[hogjowl]

Yeah, me too.
You should feel special.

 

[Charlie Lyman]

I love it....I found it very easy to learn and the invoices look nice.
When the customer calls and schedules, I add them at that point to my customer list, then when I get there I create an invoice....you can make an automatic list of services. As I am measuring I just type each room in with the measurements and then total the sq footage which goes into quantity. Type in the price and it adds it up. There is a signature line for the custy to sign and then bam, I email it to them. You can receive payments from the invoice right there too. If you are going to use Quickbooks payments and banking etc it's really easy to do. If not you can still receive payment just so it knows the invoice is not overdue.
It is a great way to store your customers data, notes on the jobs etc. you can do automatic recurring invoices as well.

What mobile platform are you using? iPad, iPhone, android?

 

[Charlie Lyman]

I use the desktop version of QB with Service Monster. It's very easy to import all my data from SM in to QB and record deposits. All the rest of my expenses etc. are tracked in QB so I have accurate P&L info and Balance sheet to pull when ever I need. I was looking into switching to QB online/cloud, but have decided to stay with the software on my PC and will be likely upgrading this year. I currently run 2013.

My 2012 quick books is not supported anymore. So I had to upgrade. I'm liking the mobile so far. But I need to get used to the "change". Change sucks.

 

[Kellie Hiler]

What mobile platform are you using? iPad, iPhone, android?

iPad.......

 

[Charlie Lyman]

That's what I'm going to use.

 

[Kellie Hiler]

I'm getting nice compliments from customers on the ease of having their invoices emailed to them, and they like the layout of them too.

 

[D Luke]

Supported version of QB Desktop and SM is a great way to meet your needs.

 

[Kellie Hiler]

I use the desktop version of QB with Service Monster. It's very easy to import all my data from SM in to QB and record deposits. All the rest of my expenses etc. are tracked in QB so I have accurate P&L info and Balance sheet to pull when ever I need. I was looking into switching to QB online/cloud, but have decided to stay with the software on my PC and will be likely upgrading this year. I currently run 2013.

Your guys use laptops out in the field right? So you would want to stay desktop, otherwise you'd have to buy them all tablets....
I would use SM if I had more than one truck etc, but it's too many features for what I need right now. Once I reach my next goal of adding another truck and a few techs, I will definitely upgrade to SM. It sounds like a great program.

 

[hogjowl]

As long as you can mail out your own reminders and thank you cards (and actually do it), you don't need SM.

 

[D Luke]

As long as you can mail out your own reminders and thank you cards (and actually do it), you don't need SM.

What about maintaining a database of customers' room dimensions? Haven't found a good way to do that aside from SM.

 

[Kellie Hiler]

What about maintaining a database of customers' room dimensions? Haven't found a good way to do that aside from SM.

I do that on QB Online....

 

[Kellie Hiler]

You can also attach photos.

 

[D Luke]

How, other than right on the invoice or in the customer notes?

Trust me, it is much better in SM. To me that alone is worth the price.

If someone charges mostly by the room it's not nearly as important.

 

[Kellie Hiler]

 

[Kellie Hiler]

I'm not saying QB Online is better than SM.....it's not. It is different. For a one truck operation like me...who is trying to save money and does not need the many awesome features of SM, this program is great.
If I were running more trucks with techs I would and will use SM. Until then, this program is sufficient. That is all I am saying, I would love to use SM and when I become a bigger company, I will use them beyond a shadow of a doubt.

 

[D Luke]

So how are you going to recall that info next time they book?

Hypothetically, say they have 8 areas that you service. Sometimes you do one, sometimes half, sometimes most, rarely all.

You end up clicking through a list of invoices in the customer history trying to piece together the data for whatever areas you will be servicing on the upcoming visit. Enough to drive you crazy.

At least that's the issue I ran in to.

Whatever you do, don't let me talk you out of whatever is working for you.

 

[hogjowl]

There's nothing in SM that I don't also have in QB's. That includes room dimensions.

 

[Charlie Lyman]

I just measure every time I go to a customers house. People move beds, couches and stuff all the time. Sometimes I do more or less. It only takes a couple of minutes to measure out a house with a good laser tool.
I've been playing with quick books online a little bit today. It seems pretty good so far.

 

[Kellie Hiler]

So how are you going to recall that info next time they book?

Hypothetically, say they have 8 areas that you service. Sometimes you do one, sometimes half, sometimes most, rarely all.

You end up clicking through a list of invoices in the customer history trying to piece together the data for whatever areas you will be servicing on the upcoming visit. Enough to drive you crazy.

At least that's the issue I ran in to.

Whatever you do, don't let me talk you out of whatever is working for you.

Oh Lawd!

 

[Pioneer Floorcare]

I'm not saying QB Online is better than SM.....it's not. It is different. For a one truck operation like me...who is trying to save money and does not need the many awesome features of SM, this program is great.
If I were running more trucks with techs I would and will use SM. Until then, this program is sufficient. That is all I am saying, I would love to use SM and when I become a bigger company, I will use them beyond a shadow of a doubt.

Have you seen house call pro? I love using it, and it sends all data to qb online.